Most experts had predicted a meeting between the Warriors and Spurs was a mere formality but Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the men from Oklahoma City had other ideas.

KD led all scorers with 37 points on 12-of-24 shooting in an impressive elimination game in which the Thunder were up by as much as 28 at one point in the third quarter.

Westbrook added another double-double - his ninth of the postseason, more than any other player - with 28 points and 12 assists.

The biggest story of the night for OKC, however, was Andre Roberson. The shooting guard, who's not known for his scoring, had a career-high 14 points and was huge on both ends of the floor for the home team also contributing seven rebounds and two blocks.

Center Steven Adams also continued his terrific showing in the series by adding a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in front of another great atmosphere in the Thunder's house.

OKC had the upper hand in the series ever since they won game four and never looked back. The three straight wins that followed that were all more impressive than the previous one.

Billy Donovan's outfit was quicker, fitter, younger and simply better than Gregg Popovich's team in what was the best series of the playoffs so far.

The evening felt like the end of an era for the Spurs with question marks over the future of the team's big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili heading into next year.

The Big Fundamental, despite a subdued series before last night, did roll back the years as he dropped 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field.

Ginobili posted just five points off the bench in 23 minutes of action and Parker had just six points as he was benched for the majority of the second half.

Kawhi Leonard had a team-high 22 points and LaMarcus Aldridge recorded a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds.

The visitors mounted a fourth quarter comeback but they ultimately gave themselves too much of a mountain to climb, especially as they only mustered 32 points in the first half and were down by 18 at the interval.

Duncan - a five-time champion - gave a salute to the Thunder crowd as he departed the court and it could also be a farewell to the NBA too.

The best power forward in the league's history turned 40 in April and after a playoff campaign in which his age seemed to get the better of him, he may call time on an illustrious career.

His decision - and Ginobili's - will shape how the Spurs approach their offseason and what they need to do in order to compete again.

San Antonio is a championship winning organisation so, make no mistake about it, they will be back.

The Thunder, though, roll on and continue in their pursuit of the first championship in franchise history but things don't get any easier as they must overcome one of the greatest teams of all-time.

The Dubs won the season series 3-1, which included the best game of the regular season and THAT Steph Curry shot.

With Durant, Westbrook, Curry, and Klay Thompson ready to do battle for a place in the NBA finals, it's time to buckle up as it'll be a hell of a ride.

Report author of article

DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Want more content like this?

Like our GiveMeSport Facebook Page and you will get this directly to you.